While we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories shines. Such pieces delve into complex themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pressing query: Has he become an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is she really changed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, people rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of what happened is still partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
